Duncan Calver

Just thought I'd offer this perspective, coming from the perspective
of Psychology...

Tyler Hamilton's case is a classic example of what happens when people
try to play Doctor with their own mental health care. Furthermore,
this is an example of the dangers of unregulated "homeopathic"
products, which generally offer little or no scientifically proven
help for individuals with serious problems like clinical depression.

Every year, countless people are hurt or misled by such products.
They are created by companies with little scientific background, and
generally have no clinical trials to prove efficacy or safety in the
general population.

To me, it is surprising that Tyler Hamilton, who actually seems to be
a seasoned user of sophisticated pharmaceuticals, would use something
like this for depression considering the fact it contained a known
banned substance; furthermore, a banned substance which has been shown
to have little to no performance enhancing qualities, or help with
depression. What he should have done is work with his Psychiatrist to
find an anti-depressant more suitable for his needs.

Depression is a serious mental illness that should be cared for only
by qualified Medical Doctors, particularly those trained in
Psychiatry. Use of over-the counter herbal extracts and hormones is
dangerous and ill-advised. Just because something is "natural",
doesn't mean it is safe or effective. There is a reason the FDA puts
psychiatric drugs through long periods of clinical testing before
allowing them for public consumption under qualified prescription. It
is for the safety and benefit of those taking the medications, and to
safeguard the medical profession from being associated with quacks and
charlatans.

This is a sad end to a career. Part of me wonders if he did this on
purpose. He certainly seemed indifferent to the risk he was taking,
especially considering the product would have offered him little, if
any help.

*Duncan